finely carved through cinnabar lacquer to reveal a black-lacquer layer, depicting groups of luohan engaging in various activities within a mountainous river landscape, with rocky outcrops, pine trees and swirling clouds, the upper right section with a long inscription, all within a frame of keyfret, scrolling peony and lotus

An old Austrian collection, by repute.

The present panel is a fine example of the exceptional workmanship achieved by lacquer carvers of the Qianlong period and is particularly notable for its well-preserved condition. It is meticulously detailed with each figure carefully executed, paying close attention to aspects such as facial expressions and body gestures. The inscription seen on the panel recorded in Qing Gaozong yuzhi shiwen quanji [Anthology of imperial Qianlong poems and proses], Yuzhi wen chu ji [Imperial proses, vol. 1], juan 29: zan, pp. 2-3 provides a detailed description of the eight luohan figures carved on the panel. The pair to this panel, from the collection of Lieutenant colonel Arthur Bowdich Cottell, was sold in our London rooms, 4th November 2009, lot 123. Only a small number of panels of this type are extant today; see one of similar form and dimensions, carved with a scene of boys playing in a garden setting surrounded by lakes and pavilions, sold at Christie's New York, 21st March 2000, lot 67, and again in London, 12th November 2002, lot 37. Compare also a large panel carved in a related manner with a battle scene from one of the Qianlong Emperor's military campaigns, sold at Christie's London, 12th July 2005, lot 148, inscribed with a poem dated to 1788. Compare also a panel sold at Christie's London, 9th June 1975, lot 125, carved with various groups of immortals, including the Queen Mother of the West, Xiwangmu.